Zanzibar. RS Berkane have been crowned champions of the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup following a dramatic and emotional final that ended in a 1-1 draw against Tanzania’s Simba SC in Zanzibar.
The result, which secured the Moroccan side victory on aggregate, marks their third title in the competition’s history, adding to their previous triumphs in 2020 and 2022.
Entering the second leg with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, RS Berkane knew they would face an intense challenge in a packed stadium filled with passionate Simba SC supporters hoping to witness a dramatic comeback.
Despite the hostile environment, the North African side displayed remarkable resilience, tactical discipline, and the composure of seasoned champions to hold firm and lift the prestigious continental trophy.
Simba SC came out with intent and urgency, pressing high and moving the ball with purpose.
Their pressure was rewarded in the 17th minute when Joshua Mutale broke the deadlock.
A clever through ball from Elie Mpanzu split the Berkane defense, and Mutale calmly slotted his shot past goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi, sending the home fans into raptures.
Energized by the early goal, Simba continued to push forward.
Steven Mukwala and veteran fullback Shomari Kapombe launched a series of dangerous deliveries into the box.
Mukwala, in particular, looked threatening with his speed and physicality, constantly troubling Berkane’s backline.
However, Berkane’s defense stood tall.
Goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi and captain Ismail Mokadem led by example, organizing the backline and withstanding wave after wave of Simba attacks.
The turning point arrived in the 73rd minute when Mukwala appeared to have scored a second for Simba, finishing a rebound inside the box.
But the celebrations were short-lived, as VAR ruled the goal out for offside.
The decision deflated the home side and drew frustration from the stands.
Simba’s situation worsened after halftime when midfielder Yusuph Kagoma received a second yellow card just five minutes into the second half, reducing the Tanzanian side to ten men.
The numerical disadvantage gradually shifted the balance of the match.
Berkane capitalized in the 79th minute. Malian midfielder Soumaila Sidibe, a driving force in the center of the pitch, reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the Simba penalty area and rifled a right-footed shot into the net from a tight angle.
The equalizer silenced the crowd and all but extinguished Simba’s hopes of a comeback.
In the closing stages, Berkane expertly managed the game.
With calm possession and intelligent game management, they ran down the clock and frustrated Simba’s attempts to mount a final push.
The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among the Moroccan players, staff, and traveling fans, while Simba were left to reflect on what might have been.
The victory adds another proud chapter to RS Berkane’s growing legacy in African football.
With three CAF Confederation Cup titles in five years — 2020, 2022, and now 2025 — the club has firmly established itself among the continent’s most consistent and successful sides.
Head coach Mouine Chaabani, who took charge earlier this season, praised his squad’s character and composure under pressure.
“This is a historic night for us,” Chaabani said after the match.
“We knew it wouldn’t be easy against a team like Simba, especially here in front of their fans. But we believed in ourselves, and the players delivered when it mattered most.”
“This title is for our fans back home and everyone who supported our journey.”
For Simba SC, the defeat is a painful blow.
Tipped by many to win their first continental trophy since the 1970s, their performance throughout the tournament earned respect and admiration, but they ultimately fell just short of the final prize.
The 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup will be remembered for its thrilling matches, passionate atmospheres, and high-quality football.
RS Berkane now turn their attention to defending their domestic title and preparing for next season’s CAF Super Cup, while Simba SC will look to regroup and come back stronger in future competitions.
